Table of Contents

• Private equity battles over European basketball

• Athletes should share their journey beyond Game Da …

• Top Tickers

• Navigating the tech market correction

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Private equity battles over European basketball

PE eyes European basketball: a high-stakes game for the EuroLeague

The battle for control of European basketball is heating up. BC Partners, a London-based private equity firm, has entered exclusive talks to buy a minority stake in EuroLeague’s commercial arm at a €1bn valuation. This comes after beating out competitors like General Atlantic and SURJ Sports Investment, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

But what’s the attraction? Despite EuroLeague’s smaller following compared to the NBA, it has shown signs of growth. A 27% rise in TV viewership in the 2023-24 season and a 46% jump in streaming subscriptions signal that European basketball is building momentum. Plus, with stars like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo or Victor Wembanyama starting their careers in Europe, there’s a growing pipeline of talent that’s capturing international attention.

BC Partners brings more than just capital. With experience in media rights through its ownership of United Group, it aims to bolster EuroLeague’s presence. Expansion opportunities abound: tapping into northern Europe and the Middle East could reduce the league’s dependence on Southern Europe, potentially boosting commercial revenues.

Challenges ahead: Private equity’s track record in sport is mixed. The UK’s British Basketball League struggled after investment from 777 Partners, ultimately leading to its replacement. As EuroLeague considers this deal, it would be wise to learn from La Liga’s example and focus on sustainable, long-term growth strategies.

Bottom line: With high-profile clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona in the mix, there’s immense potential—but also a lot at stake. Whether this investment will be a slam dunk or a foul remains to be seen.

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Athletes should share their journey beyond Game Day

By giving fans a genuine look at the person behind the performance, athletes can build deeper, more lasting connections that persist long after their playing days are over.

In today’s world of highlight reels and viral moments, elite athletes often miss an opportunity to truly connect with their audience. Instead of focusing on just the game day triumphs and luxury lifestyles, athletes should share the entire journey—the rigorous training, disciplined routines, mental preparation, and sacrifices that define success.

Beyond the Scoreboard

• What fans really want is a look behind the scenes: the early morning workouts, the setbacks, the strategies, and the relentless effort it takes to achieve peak performance. Sharing these aspects builds a deeper, more authentic connection that outlasts careers and amplifies the athlete’s role as a mentor and inspiration.

Why It Matters

• By pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to excel, athletes can bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. This authenticity transforms them from being just superstars into relatable figures who inspire others—not just in sports, but in every facet of life.

The Takeaway

• t’s not about flaunting results, but celebrating process. That’s where true growth happens. When athletes open up about their journey, they demonstrate that greatness is not innate, but the product of consistent, disciplined effort. This message of perseverance is a game-changer, inspiring fans to embrace a process-oriented mindset in their own pursuits.

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Top Tickers

Some of the most active and relevant securities and quotes (compared to previous day's closing price)

Navigating the tech market correction

Surviving the tech market correction: what can global venture capitalists learn from Europe?

As the global venture capital landscape adjusts to a tech reset, Europe's experience provides a valuable roadmap. While rising interest rates and shrinking valuations have created hurdles, European VCs have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, offering three key takeaways for VCs worldwide:

1. Prioritize Resilient Relationships: In uncertain times, trust and strong relationships with LPs (Limited Partners) become paramount. By maintaining transparent communication and setting clear expectations, European VCs have strengthened ties even amidst volatility.

2. Stand Out with a Clear Value Proposition: Differentiation is critical. In a crowded market, VCs need to clearly define their unique strengths and align their goals with LPs. HV Capital, for instance, adopted a dual-fund strategy to cater to different investment stages, keeping LPs engaged and satisfied.

3. Manage Expectations and Adapt Quickly: With the tech reset, flexibility is no longer optional. VCs must plan for downturns and embrace strategic shifts when necessary. Europe’s ability to pivot and remain transparent in challenging times is a model for others.

As fundraising dynamics shift globally, these European strategies provide a blueprint for success. From leveraging the tech reset as a growth opportunity to strengthening transparency, VCs can turn this period into one of evolution and reinvention.

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Then, there’s St Pauli. They have unveiled a unique route to become more competitive: they are going to sell their home to fans. Starting in October, the club will sell shares of the stadium for €850 each, hoping to raise €30 million. Fans will gain a say in how the stadium is managed and be able to vote on non-football activities, making them active participants in shaping the future of the club. The initiative reflects St Pauli’s core ethos: preserving its left-wing roots and creating a truly people-powered institution.

This fan-first approach extends beyond football, touching on community values and financial democracy. It’s more than just a transaction; it’s a blueprint for alternative club ownership in the era of billionaire takeovers and inflated sponsorship deals.

If successful, St Pauli’s model could inspire other clubs to explore new paths that blend fan ownership with long-term financial stability. As club chairman Oke Gottlich put it, “It’s the home of the people.”

Okay, St. Pauli really is a great club. However, they didn't necessarily have to win against SC Freiburg yesterday…

Have a great Sunday!

Irg

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